Could a spill similar to Ohio happen here?
Staff writer
What what would happen if a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in Marion County, as recently happened in East Palestine, Ohio?
Emergency manager Marcy Hostetler told county commissioners Monday that state and federal officials would help with cleanup but the county would be responsible for medical services, evacuations, and notifying the public.
She said a list of known hazardous materials and where they are stored in the county helps emergency responders know whether the county needs to call for help in other spills.
Storm spotter training is planned for 6:30 p.m. March 16 at Tabor College’s Shari Flaming Center for the Arts.
Hostetler said a “home spotter” program that allows people to watch and report what they see from the safety of their homes might be developed.
In other business Monday, engineer Brice Goebel and county clerk Tina Spencer updated commissioners on the county’s request for a conditional use permit, granted later in the day, to develop the former Silk Salon building north of US-56 into offices for the road and bridge, emergency management, and planning and zoning departments.
“We’re going to be restricted on what we can park there, and if we change use of the building, our permit will be rescinded,” Spencer said.